Wing & Claw #1: Forest of Wonders: A Captivating Middle Grade Fantasy about a Gifted Apothecary, a Talking Bat Friendship, and the True Cost of Magic for Kids (Ages 8-12)

This book was amazing,however it took me a bit to get into it. The end was amazing and exciting, but the beginning was just ok. Like I said it takes a bit to get into, but then it is really good. I recommend and will definitely be asking for the next book!

Linda Sue Park has been writing wonderful books for a long time and this one will rank among her best. Forest of Wonders is a fabulous mix of fantasy, magic, and adventure. Main character Raffa is a gifted apothecary who is far exceeding his father's skill due to a heavy dose of magical ability that is only beginning to develop. That bit of magic leads him to major mishaps as well as opens doors to opportunity the likes of which his poor family has never seen. Along the way, Raffa makes, loses and refinds friends and friendships and they all work together to save the creatures of the Forest of Wonders that he loves. This librarian would highly recommend the Wing & Claw series to readers of fantasy in grades 4-8, although the length and reading level may be off-putting for the younger in that group.

Linda Sue Park writes with clarity and purpose as she connects you to Raffa, his challenges, his concerns, and his caring spirit. Although his journey connects him with other caring friends and animals, he us also deeply betrayed by some of the adults in his world. A story that is all too relatable to most kids. The magic of his world is intriguing while still being down to earth.

My daughter and I read this together as a read aloud. I caught her up reading ahead in the night because she had to know what happened next. We definitely recommend this trilogy.

Linda Sue Park is an exceptionally good writer, and the bat Echo is now one of my favorite kidlit characters.

The bat Echo is a main character along with 2 boys and 2 girls. They are teenagers who are making choices about how they want to live. How they wish to treat their animal friends. There are good folks and awful ones. The two side become thrown into an epic battle which at the end of this book you need to read the next book to find out how it will end. I choose to read on!

He loved to read about the adventures of Rafa.

Good book

What a gripping read, just didn't want it to end. Absolutely fabulous, for young or old alike. I can only hope there's a second book.

Read for book club with grade 5/6 boys. A hit with them and me. Really engaging storyline and characters.